Parks and recreation professionals nationwide are heading to Orlando for the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference, taking place September 16–18.
Planning to attend? Explore our curated guide to 15 must-see Orlando spots! Perfect for relaxing, dining, and experiencing the best of the city between sessions.
Special thanks to Aaron Dalzot, Program Manager at Lake Forest Parks and Recreation, for lending his insight and helping shape this list. Your input made it better and more relevant to the parks and rec community!
Scroll down for our top picks to make the most of your Orlando stay!
This expansive 200‑acre marine theme park blends thrilling water‑themed rides and roller coasters with world‑class animal exhibits and rescue programs. Located just over a couple of miles from the Orange County Convention Center, it’s a convenient outing for NRPA attendees looking for a mix of adventure and conservation!
Distance from NRPA: 2.6 mile
Step into the movies at Universal, where beloved films come to life through immersive rides and jaw-dropping shows. About a 10-minute drive from NRPA, it's a fun detour for any parks pro who still believes in the magic of storytelling.
Distance from NRPA: 0.7 miles
This local gem keeps the thrills old-school — go-karts, wooden coasters, and carnival vibes included. Just up the road from I‑Drive, it’s proof that fun doesn’t have to be fancy to bring people together.
Distance from NRPA: 3.1 miles
Whether you're floating down a lazy river or flying past dolphins on a water slide, Aquatica makes play feel like paradise. Conveniently located near SeaWorld, it’s a great way to soak up Florida between sessions.
Distance from NRPA: 2.1 miles
An hour from Orlando, this Atlantic Coast spot is all sunshine, boardwalks, and wide open beach. If you’re extending your stay, take a breath of ocean air and remember why public spaces matter — especially the natural ones.
Distance from NRPA: 65 miles
Wings, sports, and local pride — Gator’s is as Florida as it gets. It's a casual hangout with big-screen energy, perfect for winding down after a packed conference day.
Distance from NRPA: 4.3 miles
This vibrant Tex-Mex spot serves up bold flavors and an even bolder hot sauce bar. Great for a quick bite that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Distance from NRPA: 3.4 miles
Come for the Zingers®, stay for the game-day energy and 35+ beers on tap. This laid-back spot just off I‑Drive is all about big portions and even bigger screens.
Distance from NRPA: 0.6 miles
Comfort food, scratch-made soups, and New York–style sandwiches — TooJay’s brings a touch of deli nostalgia to Florida. A cozy option for something a little more familiar, a little more filling.
Distance from NRPA: 2.0 miles
Tucked inside the Rosen Centre (a literal skywalk away from OCCC), Everglades offers a refined, local-inspired dining experience. Seafood, steaks, and subtle nods to Florida’s unique landscape make it worth the reservation.
This lively bar blends upscale pub food with a crowd-friendly vibe — think shareables, craft cocktails, and sports screens galore. A great pick for a team dinner or spontaneous toast.
Distance from NRPA: 2.6 miles
Live music every night, good eats, and a come-as-you-are attitude. Just down the street at ICON Park, it’s the perfect place to unwind with colleagues and catch a local act.
Distance from NRPA: 1.3 miles
This British-American pub at Pointe Orlando delivers hearty classics and genuine hospitality (plus a pour-your-own beer wall). Voted best fish and chips in the U.S., it’s pub fare done right — steps from the OCCC.
Distance from NRPA: 0.1 miles
Looking for something a little louder? This dueling piano bar is high-energy, fully interactive, and only a short walk from the convention center. Ideal for a night of singing, laughing, and letting loose with your fellow attendees.
Distance from NRPA: 0.8 miles
Game-day atmosphere, scratch-made bar food, and a massive LED media wall — all under one roof at Pointe Orlando. Just across the street from NRPA 2025, this spot was practically built for post-session hangouts.
Distance from NRPA: 0.3 mile
We're pumped to see y'all in Orlando! 👋 Also, be sure to stop by booth #1119 to visit the Xplor Recreation team, and:
🎁 Enter in a draw to win a Free iPad Air.
🔍 See our all-in-one recreation management software in action.
📱 Get a hands-on experience of our self-serve kiosk and custom-branded Client Mobile App!
🎉 Snag yourself some *useful* swag to take home.
📸 Have a laugh and capture memories with your team at our photobooth!